Will Tom Luna seek a third term in 2014?

State schools superintendent Tom Luna is in no hurry to decide whether he will seek a third term in 2014.

State superintendent Tom Luna

In an interview with Idaho Education News on Friday, Luna said he will make a decision by the end of the year.

Luna cited two factors that will play into his decision: Gov. Butch Otter’s re-election plans and family considerations.

If Otter decides to seek a third term in 2014, then Luna is more likely to seek a third term himself. But if Otter opts to retire, Luna said he is more likely to step aside.

Luna believes he can forge a good working relationship with the other candidates rumored to be interested in the governor’s post — but he knows he has a good working relationship with Otter, a fellow Republican.

“I don’t think I would want to roll the dice,” Luna says.

The odds, at this point, seem to favor Otter running again. Otter announced his intentions at a December 2011 GOP event in Coeur d’Alene. In February, Otter said he is planning to run — be said he will not be “pushed into a calendar.”

U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador and Lt. Gov. Brad Little are considered possible gubernatorial candidates, although Little is likely to stay put if Otter seeks re-election.

There are no term limits that preclude Luna from running again — at least not in state law. In his household, he said, things aren’t as clearcut.

“This is very difficult on the family, especially in this past year.”

More Sunday: Check back for more from Idaho Education News’ post-session interview with Luna.